ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)-- Hillary Rodham Clinton plans to formally announce
her candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Feb. 6 at a State University of New
York campus not far from her new home in suburban Westchester County,
aides said Saturday.

The Sunday mid-afternoon event will be held at the university's
Purchase campus. The first lady will be accompanied by President Clinton,
their daughter, Chelsea, and the first lady's mother, Dorothy Rodham.

In addition to the announcement, the Clinton campaign has plans for 500
simultaneous house parties across the state that are expected to attract
more than 24,000 supporters, her campaign said. She plans to call to the
parties after her announcement.

``I am thrilled to have the support of so many New Yorkers who believe
in my candidacy and who know that I will fight for them and the issues
they care about,'' Mrs. Clinton said in a statement.

``People are really ready to hit the ground running with Hillary when
she announces,'' state Democratic Chairwoman Judith Hope said.

Mrs. Clinton is expected to face New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani,
a Republican, for the Senate seat being vacated at the end of this year by
Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Giuliani has not yet said when he plans
to enter the race. Both have been campaigning and raising money for
months.